In what ways can we ensure our worship is directed solely to God? Setting the scene Psalm 115 contrasts the living God with lifeless idols. Verse 7 zeroes in on their impotence: “They have hands, but cannot feel; feet, but cannot walk; nor can they utter a sound with their throats.” Our worship belongs only to the One who sees, hears, speaks, and acts. Here’s how we keep it that way. Seeing idols for what they really are – Powerless: “They have hands, but cannot feel.” Idols can’t respond or rescue (cf. Psalm 135:15-18). – Motionless: “Feet, but cannot walk.” They never come to their people’s aid (Isaiah 46:7). – Speechless: “Nor can they utter a sound.” They give no truth or comfort (Habakkuk 2:18-19). Realizing their emptiness exposes the folly of giving them a single ounce of devotion. Spotting twenty-first-century idols Idolatry isn’t limited to carved images. Anything that steals the affection, trust, or obedience that belong to God alone becomes an idol. • Possessions or money (Matthew 6:24) • Power, influence, social media followings (Jeremiah 9:23-24) • Personal comfort or entertainment (2 Timothy 3:4) • Relationships we elevate above the Lord (Luke 14:26) • Self—when personal autonomy overrides Scripture (Judges 21:25) Guarding the heart before worship begins • Daily Scripture intake: “Your word is a lamp to my feet” (Psalm 119:105). Truth crowds out rival voices. • Self-examination: Ask, “Is anything competing for my deepest loyalty?” (1 John 5:21). • Regular confession: Turn quickly from whatever the Spirit exposes (Psalm 139:23-24). • Cultivate gratitude: Thankfulness fixes attention on the Giver rather than the gifts (Psalm 50:23). Practices that keep public worship God-centered 1. Sing truth-filled songs that exalt God’s character and works (Colossians 3:16). 2. Read and preach Scripture boldly; God speaks through His Word, not our cleverness (2 Timothy 4:2). 3. Pray corporately, addressing God’s attributes—holiness, mercy, sovereignty—so hearts align with who He is (Nehemiah 9:6-8). 4. Celebrate the Lord’s Supper with sober joy, remembering Christ’s sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:26). 5. Give offerings as an act of surrender, acknowledging God’s ownership of all (Proverbs 3:9). Habits that keep private devotion undivided • Morning worship before screens or schedules (Mark 1:35). • Scripture memorization; truth recited in temptation wards off idolatry (Psalm 119:11). • Fasting periodically to dethrone appetites and exalt dependence on the Lord (Matthew 6:16-18). • Serve others in Jesus’ name; love expressed tangibly redirects self-focus toward God’s kingdom (1 Peter 4:10-11). Living daily for God’s glory “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) When every ordinary task becomes an offering, idols find no foothold. Our living, speaking, earning, and resting echo the confession of Deuteronomy 6:5: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” |
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